Three buildings at Wigan Pier open to ‘ambitious’ development bids

Three iconic buildings at Wigan Pier are now open to bids from developers looking to invest in the future of the historic site.

Wigan Council is running a six-week tender period for bids to be made for the development of the The Warehouse, formerly the Way We Were Museum; the former Orwell pub; and the Education Centre.

The one-time industrial buildings are central to the council’s Wigan Pier Quarter regeneration area, which was recently boosted with the development of Pier Centre conference hub and planning approval for a new social, arts and café venue.

To support the regeneration opportunities, the authority has invested in new car parking facilities and a community garden, while continuing to market and develop Trencherfield Mill as a flagship business destination.

Wigan Council is overseeing the tender process in partnership with commercial property firm Lambert Smith Hampton and the Canal & River Trust.

The council’s director of economy and environment, Karl Battersby, said: “We are pleased to be now welcoming formal bids to bring the Wigan Pier buildings back into use and regenerate this iconic location.

“There has already been significant interest in the buildings over recent months and we are excited to be starting the formal process of working with private sector partners to make a reality of this unique regeneration opportunity.”

He continued: “We have had a mix of ideas put forward for the buildings including new office space, leisure and social destinations. At the end of the tender period we will review all tenders and choose a preferred partner or partners.”

Lambert Smith Hampton director Simon Turner commented: “Wigan Pier is an icon in the North West, and an important part of the history of the region.

“There is no hiding from the fact that over the past few years the site has started to become a relic of its proud history.”

He added: “Lambert Smith Hampton is delighted to be a part of the process of securing a development partner with the track record and passion to restore and redevelop Wigan Pier Quarter to its former fame, and in turn provide a catalyst for our clients’ ambitious vision for Wigan.”

Wigan Council first announced the start of the 10-year Wigan Pier regeneration programme in 2014.

The window for bids to be made closes on June 23.